Painting & Decorating

Painter & Decorator - Apprenticeships

Painter and Decorators apply paint coatings, wall coverings and other materials internally and externally for decorative and preservation purposes. This can be to walls/surfaces in private dwellings and in commercial/industrial locations or other structures.

Painters and Decorators can also be involved in the designing and producing of sign work and displays; and advice on colour selection and interior design. Painter and Decorators are usually employed by building or painting contractors or may be self-employed.

Painter and Decorators require many skills including:

â€¢ Working with a variety of specialised hand and power tools
â€¢ Being aware of how colours, textures and shapes are used in design
â€¢ Knowledge of renovation, preservation and restoration
â€¢ Performing a range of painting techniques
â€¢ Application of wall hangings to a wide variety of situations
â€¢ Designing and producing sign work and displays
â€¢ Advising on colour selection and interior design

Work Aspects

Learning and developing new practical craft-related skills, knowledge and competence
â€¢Working with and learning from experienced craftspersons
â€¢Seeing a job through from start to finish
â€¢Comply with Health and Safety requirements
â€¢Working indoors and outdoors
â€¢Accuracy and attention to detail measuring and calculating quantities and areas
â€¢Being well organised and careful with practical tasks
â€¢Working at heights
â€¢Lifting or carrying heavy items
â€¢Taking responsibility for own learning, including the allocation of study time
â€¢Working at a variety of locations – can be residential homes, industrial units or commercial situations
â€¢Being physically active
â€¢Passing all your phase exams (theory, practicals skills demonstration)
â€¢Earning as you learn

As a Painter and Decorator you will need to be physically active and to be able to work with your hands.

An awareness of health and safety and good housekeeping is essential as well as attention to detail and an eye for the aesthetic.

The Painter and Decorator must have the ability to:
â€¢Plan and organise
â€¢Communicate effectively
â€¢Solve problems
â€¢Work independently and as part of a team
â€¢Show a positive attitude
â€¢Recognise the need for good customer relations
â€¢Demonstrate good work practices including time keeping, tidiness, responsibility, quality awareness and safety awareness

If you suffer from an allergy or skin complaint, the chemicals that you use may affect you.

The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age.
The minimum educational requirements are:
1. Grade D in fi ve subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent,
or
2. The successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course
or
3. Three yearsâ€™ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable

Note: These are the current approved minimum educational requirements for apprenticeship programmes, however, previous experience of the following subjects would be an advantage but not essential:
â€¢Art
â€¢Technical Drawing/Graphics
â€¢Construction Studies
â€¢Technology

You must obtain employment as an apprentice in your chosen occupation.
â€¢The employer must be approved to train apprentices.
â€¢The employer must register you as an apprentice within two weeks of recruitment.

On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, apprentices are qualified to work within the recognised trade or profession.

Where apprentices and craftspersons have the necessary ability, initiative and basic qualifications, opportunities are available for advancement. These include advanced technology courses and management courses which are available in Institutes of Technology, Schools of Management and Professional Institutes.

Many craftspersons use their apprenticeship qualification as a platform to launch careers such as engineers, managers, owners of businesses, teachers and instructors amongst others.

For those with a desire to advance, career progrssion options include:
â€¢Interior Design
â€¢Sign Maker
â€¢Starting your own business